Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

The White Continent has piqued the imagination of explorers for centuries. Let it inspire yours on this unforgettable Expedition Voyage to East Antarctica’s Ross Sea in all-inclusive ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse II.

Unlike anything you have experienced before, an expedition to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region will create stories for life. End-of-the-Earth landscapes, gem-like glaciers, immense tabular icebergs and jagged mountain ranges are the setting for some of the planet’s most prolific wildlife displays. You’ll follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest explorers. Go further by taking an exclusive helicopter^ flight to land at the McMurdo Dry Valleys or to view the magnificent Ross Sea Ice Shelf from above. Set sail to Antarctica’s Ross Sea, a lifechanging experience unlike any other.

Itinerary Map

 

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Antarctica's Ross Sea Region

Be sure to stay close to your verandah as you enter the Ross Sea. The pristine, iceberg-rich ocean is popular among orcas, seals, penguins and whales.

This rugged and remarkable body of water is surrounded by sky-scraping mountains and carved by glacial ice tongues, vast ice shelves and drifting sea ice.

Your Captain and Discovery Leader will seek out the safest opportunities for you to explore the area.

Over the next few days on Ross Island, at the base of Mount Erebus, you'll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

Discovery:

You may have the opportunity to explore this fascinating landscape on the fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboarding~, guided and self-paced hikes. Alternatively, you may be able to add to your experience with a flight on one of the two on board helicopters^.

Balleny Islands

This 160-kilometre-long chain of volcanic islands, some of them still active, straddles the Antarctic Circle. Here, you will have a front-row seat to one of the greatest convergences of wildlife in the world.

Humpbacks, fin and minke whales may put on a show while we are nearby, breaching, blowing, and slapping their tails. Crabeater, Weddell Ross Sea Seals and leopard seals loll about, sunbaking between swims. Join a Discovery Excursion or just take in the view from the Observation Deck or your private verandah. 

Discovery:

Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding~ around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments.

Days at Sea

As you sail away from East Antarctica’s Ross Sea toward Snares Island, take in the ever-changing seascape and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days. The Discovery Team will continue to enhance your journey with engaging enrichment lectures, offering deeper insights into Antarctica’s ecosystems, climate, and the pioneering explorers who braved these waters.

Keep your binoculars ready, as this stretch of ocean is home to wandering albatross, petrels, and possibly even pods of whales making their way through these remote waters. From the Observation Lounge or your private verandah, watch as the vast Antarctic ice fades into the open Southern Ocean, knowing that new wildlife encounters await at Snares Island.

Snares Island

Remote, rugged, and richly protected, The Snares are the closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand—so pristine they remain completely uninhabited. This remarkable wildlife sanctuary, consisting of two main islands and the five-island Western Chain, enjoys the highest level of conservation protection.

Discovery:

While landings are not permitted, join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern coast, weather and sea conditions permitting. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit, and elusive Fernbirds. The islands also host a staggering number of nesting Sooty Shearwaters.